Why Should I Like You?

As more and more businesses are hopping on the social networking bandwagon, it seems like a day doesn’t go by without me seeing a print ad, banner ad, email message, or some other promotional piece from a company urging me to “Like” them on Facebook. And of the hundreds of companies that have asked me to “Like” them on Facebook, guess how many I’ve actually “Liked.”

Zero.

And I know I’m not alone. How many businesses do you “Like” on Facebook? I’m guessing very few.

Why is that?

The problem boils down to a simple lesson we’re all taught in Marketing 101. If the user doesn’t get a benefit from taking the action, they won’t do what you want them to do. Simply saying “Like us on Facebook” doesn’t offer any incentive for your customers to take that action. What do they have to gain by logging onto Facebook and “Liking” your business?

If you’re serious about getting fans for your business’ Facebook page, you have to give people a reason to “Like” you.

For example, take a look at what Wal-Mart is doing to engage customers on its Facebook page. They have a unique CrowdSaver app that offers a Groupon-like deal. In order for the deal to go active, a certain number of people have to “Like” it. This gives people an incentive to take action. Wal-Mart offers the user something in exchange for their “Like.”

But this isn’t the only way to get people to “Like” your business on Facebook. Another thing you could do is offer exclusive content or a freebie to people who “Like” your page. As an example, you could reward your Facebook followers with a free eBook download. Again, this gives the user an incentive to take the action of “Liking” your Facebook page.

Or you can simply let the person know that when they “Like” you on Facebook, you’ll be sharing great deals and useful content with them on a regular basis. It doesn’t take much, but there needs to be some clear benefit in order for you to earn their “Like.”

Like I said before, it’s all about the marketing basics. People don’t take action unless there’s something in it for them. If you want more Facebook “Likes,” you need to let people know the benefit of giving you their “Like.”

What have you done to get people to “Like” your business on Facebook? Share your best tips by leaving a comment below.